An Apple a Day May Literally Keep The Doctor Away

Originally from Asia and Europe, the apple was brought over to North America by European colonizers and is now being grown throughout the country. There are thousands of varietiesfound all over the world, with colors ranging from red to green, and flavors varying from sweet to tart. The taste aside, apples are also well loved for their health benefits, the majority of which can be found in the skin and inner flesh.

List of known nutrients

The recommended daily servings of fruit is two cups on a 2,000-calorie diet, and a medium apple equals 1.5 cups of fruit. Apples are low in calories and contain no cholesterol or saturated fats, while also containing nutrients essential to optimal health and wellness. In comparison to other fruits, apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, though they do contain other nutrients such as:

• Copper
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin K

The true health benefits of apples come from their antioxidant plant compounds, however, primarily their flavonoids and phytonutrients. These organic compounds include:

• Catechin
• Cellulose
• Chlorogenic acid
• Epicatechin
• Hemicellulose
• Pectin
• Phloridzin
• Quercetin

Medicinal uses for apples

One medium apple contains four grams of fiber — fiber that is essential to the digestive process. Apples ensure smooth bowel movement and prevent stomach disorders such as constipation, indigestion, chronic enteritis, hemorrhoids, and even morning sickness. Apples, thus, assist in weight loss, since fiber also reduces appetite by making the body feel full faster and longer.

Quercetin, a flavonoid in apples, has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps regulate the immune system, and thereby making apples excellent for controlling asthma and allergic reactions. Aside from being regulated, the immune system is also supported by the quercetin and fiber.

Apples can also help those who suffer from:

• Alzheimer’s
• Anemia
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Eye disorders, including cataracts and glaucoma
• Low blood sugar
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Rheumatism
• Stroke
• Weakness

Body systems supported by apples

The compounds in apples help prevent against disease and repair oxidation damage that occurs during normal cell activity. The antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral concentration present in apples help nourish the following body organs and systems:

• Brain
• Circulatory system, including blood vessels
• Digestive system
• Eyes
• Heart
• Liver
• Kidney
• Respiratory system
• Teeth
• Ways to use apples

Apples can be used in almost any dish for any meal of the day. Cinnamon-stuffed French toast and oatmeal with apple slices make for nutritious breakfasts. Turkey and apple sandwiches are good for lunch or dinner, as are pork loin chops with cinnamon apples. For dessert, there is the classic apple pie and the less-common apple-cinnamon cake.

The United States has over 2,500 kinds of apples. Regardless of personal preferences, there is an apple out there for all kinds of tastes. Moreover, getting the most out of apples will entail eating it as is, since many polyphenols and half of the fiber content in apples are found in the skin.

By Carrie Thompson 

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